Sustainability, ethics and health are just a few of the reasons that veganism appeals to many people, and particularly with concerns over climate change, more and more people are turning towards plant-based or flexitarian diets—a survey from Green Monday this year suggested one in four Hong Kongers are consciously trying to eat less meat. Research from Oxford suggests that reducing meat consumption and adopting a vegan diet could reduce greenhouse gas emissions—which are projected to account for half globally by 2050—by up to 70%. To celebrate World Vegan Day on November 1st, we’ve taken a look at some of the ways you can champion the cause at these cruelty-free, plant-based dining spots in Hong Kong.
MANA! Fast Slow Food
With a motto of ‘diet change, not climate change’, MANA! Has committed itself to tackle climate change one bite at a time. Its fresh-made whole-food vegan and vegetarian flats and salad boxes have made it a favourite among the plant-based community in Hong Kong, and to celebrate World Vegan Day this year, MANA! is encouraging its members to bring along a friend to take advantage of its offer: buy one full vegan flat and get a second one for 50%. If you’re not a member, never fear: you can sign up now and still take advantage of the offer. Available in Central and POHO stores only.
Nectar
Newly opened this summer, Nectar reimagined vegan food with a fine dining twist. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to indulge, we can’t think of a better time than World Vegan Day to try out Chef Peggy Chan’s completely vegan ’Edible Solutions’ 12-course tasting menu, featuring dishes like ‘Faux Gras’ hickory pate, sprouted lentil dal with puffed brown rice, and bell pepper chorizo pasta with pine nut ‘manchego.’ Aside from being a culinary journey, it’s also an educational experience on the creative ways to use food to minimise our environmental impact.
Veda
Taking World Vegan Day one step further, Veda are offering a special vegan tasting menu for the whole of November. Featuring favourites like the Streetside Pani Puri, Soba Noodle Salad and the legendary Roasted Aloo Gobi, treat yourself to an all-vegan feast.
ovolohotels.com.hk/ovolocentral/veda/
Leaves & Liberty
If you don’t feel like going out, have the sister brand of Beef & Liberty come to you. Available exclusively on Deliveroo Editions, order plant-based dining straight to your doorstep. Choose from a range of vegetarian and vegan burgers and salads, which use the Impossible meat for the burger patty or unprocessed alternatives like beetroot or falafel patties. With vegan cheddar and vegan Impossible chilli also available, those avoiding animal products can indulge in the full burger experience here.
Treehouse
Vegan foodies and sustainability supporters can all join together for this one. Just ahead of World Vegan Day, the newest plant-based opening in Hong Kong is hosting its official Grand Opening on October 26th. Pop along to the free event for plant-based bites and a couple of drinks to support Treehouse’s mission to plant 10,000 trees to help tackle climate change. All donations from the event will go towards this project: planting a tree only costs HK$5, and Treehouse will match all donations. From 10pm onwards there will be an ‘electro dance party’ so you can dance the night away with good vibes abound.
Green Common
At the Food’s Future Summit, Green Monday unveiled its latest vegan-friendly twist on a breakfast classic with the Beyond sausage muffin. They creative meat alternatives don’t stop there though: new additions to the menu over the past year include the Huera ‘chicken’, which we can confirm is eerily like the real thing. From plant-based based omni-pork ramen to Fillet-No-Fish using Gardein’s fishless fillet, there’s no reason to give up your favourite dishes for World Vegan Day.
